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Inside Delta Force: The Story of America’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit Audiobook
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Plot Summary
Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit is the fascinating account of Eric L. Haney's experiences as one of the founding members of Delta Force, a section of the military which is top secret. Members of Delta Force blend in with the U.S. population and the army doesn't actually acknowledge their existence. Delta Force was started by Colonel Charlie Beckwith, and members recruited included soldiers, CIA operatives, Secret Service and even criminals who brought with them a wealth of knowledge regarding explosives.
Haney and others went through a rigorous training process which was partly physical and partly mental. In-between the physical exercises they were subject to, they would be asked to read maps, do math or fill out psychological evaluations. They had to do a series of hikes where they were given heavy backpacks and a set of coordinates. Once they reached their destination, they would get another set of coordinates, and the process was repeated several times, making it as grueling as possible. As a kind of final test, members of Delta Force were asked to elude the FBI in the Washington D.C. area, and they managed to do this successfully.
After the training was over, Haney was involved in several missions, especially in Central America, and he talks about "Mr. Reagan's secret wars in Central America" — operations that the American public never even heard about. There were times when Delta Force was on the verge of completing a mission such as, for example, taking out hijackers, when they were asked to stand down. Haney is quite outspoken in his criticism of the government, sometimes for interfering in matters unnecessarily and, at other times, for not interfering at all.
Overall, this book is a fascinating read and takes you deep into the world of anti-terrorism missions the world over. Even though it's a work of non-fiction, the narrative keeps the reader moving from page to page, wondering what will happen next.
Download Inside Delta Air Force: The Story of America's Elite Counterterrorist Unit now and get an inside look at the workings of this top secret group in the fight against terrorism.
Eric L. Haney was born and raised in Lindale, Georgia where he attended high school. He entered the army right after graduating and was advancing along the ranks when he decided to try out for the Delta Force Unit. Out of the 163 people who tried out for Delta Force, he was among the 12 who were selected. He stayed with the unit until 1990, completing missions in Central America and the Middle-East. Since then, he has worked as a security consultant, bodyguard and private kidnap rescuer. The CBS television series, The Unit was inspired by Haney's experiences with Delta Force and he is one of its co-executive producers.
"Written by a member of the first operational group to pass through Beckwith's training program after Delta beat out Blue Light as the US prime CT force, you'll never quite get over exactly how these fellows prove their mettle and training effectiveness -- a final exam unlike anything your imagination could concoct. "That's not possible," you'll say to yourself. "Nobody would let them do that!" And the methods used to make that exam work are equally unreal. Let's just say it's life-threatening and performed in an instinctive fashion with pinpoint accuracy or you kill your friends. And then the players switch places, and they kill you if anything goes wrong. And then the process is repeated. Then repeated again. And again. Think what you like about the military (I'm a strong supporter), but you WILL respect these guys, and you will be glad they are on the side of a country with civilian control."
— David (4 out of 5 stars)
Publisher Summary
The inspiration for the hit television series The Unit
Delta Force. They are the US Army’s most elite top-secret strike force. They dominate the modern battlefield, but you won’t hear about their heroics on CNN. No headlines can reveal their top-secret missions, and no book has ever taken readers inside—until now. Here, a founding member of Delta Force takes us behind the veil of secrecy and into the action to reveal the never-before-told story of First Special Forces Operational Detachment-D (Delta Force).
He is a master of espionage, trained to take on hijackers, terrorists, hostage takers, and enemy armies. He can deploy by parachute or arrive by commercial aircraft, survive alone in hostile cities, speak foreign languages fluently, strike at enemy targets with stunning swiftness and extraordinary teamwork. He is the ultimate modern warrior: the Delta Force Operator.
In this dramatic behind-the-scenes chronicle, Eric Haney, one of the founding members of Delta Force, takes us inside this legendary counterterrorist unit. Here, for the first time, are details of the grueling selection process—designed to break the strongest of men—that singles out the best of the best: the Delta Force Operator.
With heart-stopping immediacy, Haney tells what it’s really like to enter a hostage-held airplane. And from his days in Beirut, Haney tells an unforgettable tale of bodyguards and bombs, of a day-to-day life of madness and beauty, and of how he and a teammate are called on to kill two gunmen targeting US Marines at the Beirut airport. As part of the team sent to rescue American hostages in Tehran, Haney offers a first-person description of that failed mission that is a chilling, compelling account of a bold maneuver undone by chance—and a few fatal mistakes.
From fighting guerrilla warfare in Honduras to rescuing missionaries in Sudan and leading the way onto the island of Grenada, Eric Haney captures the daring and discipline that distinguish the men of Delta Force. Inside Delta Force brings honor to these singular men while it puts us in the middle of around-the-world action that is sudden, frightening, and nonstop.
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Quotes
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“In this rapidly changing and dangerous world, US Special Forces are vital to the security of all Americans. CSM Eric Haney is perhaps the world’s foremost expert on military special ops. Read Inside Delta Force and learn what we are really up against.”
— Bill O’Reilly -
“Nonstop page-turning drama…If Haney is the measure by which Special Forces’ standards are met, we will always have the advantage in the war against terrorism.”
— USA Today -
“A rousing chronicle of what it’s really like to be a special-ops guy.”
— Esquire -
“Compelling memoir…a book that you won’t want to put down.”
— Playboy -
“A book that could not be more timely, written by a warrior who knows what he’s talking about.”
— James Webb, author of Fields of Fire and Lost Soldiers -
“The story of the US military’s elite counterterrorism warriors…Timely…fascinating…well-written.”
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution -
“Perfect for military enthusiasts.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A vivid portrait of the first decade of the elite US counterterrorist unit…Adding considerably to public knowledge about basic and sophisticated security and antiterrorism issues, his valuable book is also, after 9-11, a compellingly timely one.”
— Booklist
Inside Delta Force Listener Reviews
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" Great book. Very descriptive and easy to visualize. Not fond of the narrator. I'd highly recommend "
— Matt , 1/14/2018 -
" A fast read. Lots of interesting memoirs and history about the beginning of an elite, direct-action combat unit (which doesn't exist). Haney's fluid, straight-forward storytelling is perfect for soldiers aspiring to do black ops. He is honest and open, which I bet stirred controversy in such a tight, secretive community. I got a decent impression of what it really takes to be the best, and the qualities of such men are incredibly admirable. The mantra of this book, especially for the part about Delta Selection, is "never give up." "
— Samantha, 2/20/2014 -
" I bought this book because the author is mentioned during the credits of the television show, The Unit. I was pleasantly surprised...its an exciting, insider account of how and why this elite group trains and behaves the way it does. If you are interested in counterterrorism tactics, or just the extremes to which the human body and mind can be pushed, its a fun read. "
— Omar, 2/17/2014 -
" Got this book because it inspired the TV show "The Unit." For anyone who looks to this book as another "season" of that show where there is an antagonist who the Unit must search for and destroy, you will be sorely underwhelmed. What this book is about is the creation and building of the real Delta Force within the US Army special forces. It details their selection process and then some of their public successes and failures around the world. Mr. Haney also provides his brutally honest and experienced opinion about some of the things that our country and military did right and wrong while he served. This book gives you the fly-on-the-wall perspective of being in military special operations. A must read for anyone who is thinking of going into any special forces group and a great read for the rest of us to better understand what these patriotic men do daily for us without our knowledge. "
— Jason, 2/5/2014 -
" I gave up on this book about half way through. The author spends most of it writing about details far removed from the subject. In among the over-description is some good history on Delta Force, but not concise enough for me. Not recommended. "
— doug, 1/30/2014 -
" Vivid, with fast pacing and lots of lovely details. This is a "must read" for anyone curious about what it's like to be on an elite special ops team. "
— Julia, 1/29/2014 -
" This was an incredibly fun and informative read. I particularly enjoyed chapter 5 (the guns training) and the afterthoughts about the current state of world affairs and what might possibly solve/help things. I'm still pondering those words. I have a greater understanding of and immense respect for this group of dedicated heroes. I am very glad I read this book and recommend it to others. "
— Case, 1/17/2014 -
" Recommended by Mike and Annie. My understanding of the armed forces increased exponentially. You won't put it down. "
— Cindi, 1/17/2014 -
" this book really makes you think about where us military forces could be but are kept undercover "
— Fishsticks, 1/12/2014 -
" Not the most well-written memoir I've ever read, but it has the special appeal of turning a key in the gate to a very well-fortified secret garden. An intriguing look at the early days of specialized American counter-terrorism forces. "
— Abbandono, 1/12/2014 -
" I really liked this book. I found Haney's writing to be straightforward and unintentionally funny. Plus, lets be honest, the stuff these guys do is bad ass. "
— Tom, 12/28/2013 -
" all the stuff they did.. makes one feel like the biggest pansy on earth because we have seen and done so less... "
— Saima, 12/27/2013 -
" An interesting history of a little known counter terrorist unit in the US military. The first half is motivating because it is mostly talk about physical training/selection. The second half is interesting for the talk of the training they have to go through (explosives, sniper, etc.). "
— Judith, 6/8/2013 -
" Good book was not too impressed with the TV series "The Unit", too much drama. "
— Michael, 6/1/2013 -
" Great book. Inspired the CBS show the Unit, and uncovers the origins of Delta Force. I'm kind of a special forces military history buff, so I liked it, and it is well-written. Aside from the obvious embellishment and questionably fictitious elements, it is an entertaining read. "
— Adam, 12/9/2012 -
" Great book, especially since I like the TV show "The Unit" that was based on the book. "
— John, 10/12/2012 -
" Really interesting and exciting book about the life of a Delta Force operator. "
— Dirk, 5/19/2012 -
" Amazing to read about what goes on secretly, but right in front of us. "
— Alison, 3/18/2012 -
" Pretty cool to read about the grueling try outs. "
— Lance, 12/26/2011 -
" My hero. When ever I'm slacking on something I should do I think of Haney and those like him, put my head down and move! "
— Eric, 12/20/2011 -
" Incredible story of the birth of the US Army's Delta Force. Very suspenseful real-life accounts of missions. "
— Jeffrey, 12/6/2011 -
" This books dicusses Eric Haney's early years with the Team. Great book talking about training and selection process. "
— Donald, 6/17/2011 -
" Amazing book. I wish there had been a little less harsh language, but it was still a fascinating read. My brother-in-law, a Sgt. Major in the Army, also loved it. "
— Jess, 4/6/2011 -
" <br/>I really liked "The Unit". It was based on this book, so of course I enjoyed it "
— Russell, 3/12/2011 -
" Fairly well written. Very interesting material - I found the first half regarding the training and selection most interesting. The rest was full of vignettes that included lots of opinions that did not seem to be well presented to me. "
— Natalie, 2/2/2011 -
" This is a well written look at the reflections of an original Delta Force member. Interesting to see how Delta Force was born, the training involved, and the missions in the early years. "
— Jeff, 1/15/2011 -
" Before I read this book, I just thought that Delta Force was the group with the elite soldiers dressed in all black. I knew they were America's elite antiterrorist organization, but that was pretty much it. This book sheads light on some of America's greatest heros. <br/> "
— M-dawg, 12/27/2010 -
" Inside Delata Force is Eric's real life experiences in the U.S. Army's most elite top secret anti terriorist strike force. It is the book that the tv show The Unit is based on. A really superb book that makes you want to thank soliders for what they do in order to keep us safe and free. <br/> <br/> "
— Melissa, 12/18/2010 -
" I really liked this book. I found Haney's writing to be straightforward and unintentionally funny. Plus, lets be honest, the stuff these guys do is bad ass. "
— Tom, 11/28/2010 -
" I'm on my third time through this book in about five years. It's a riveting read, full of amazing stories and insights. "
— Mike, 11/24/2010 -
" Recommended by Mike and Annie. My understanding of the armed forces increased exponentially. You won't put it down. "
— Cindi, 10/28/2010 -
" Meh. Not enough time in the day. According to Bill, I made the mistake of reading this word for word. Apparently I should've skimmed it. Too many other, more interesting things to read. "
— Melissa, 8/19/2010
About Eric L. Haney
Eric L. Haney served for more than twenty years in the United States Army’s most demanding combat units: as a combat infantryman, a Ranger, and ultimately as a founding member of Delta Force. In his retirement, he has protected princes, presidents, and CEOs. He has negotiated with Latin American guerrillas for the safe return of hostages, rescued American children kidnapped around the world, and provided security for international oil companies operating in the most dangerous regions on earth. Today, he lives and writes in the relative peace and quiet of Marietta,Georgia.
About Robertson Dean
Robertson Dean has played leading roles on and off Broadway and at dozens of regional theaters throughout the country. He has a BA from Tufts University and an MFA from Yale. His audiobook narration has garnered ten AudioFile Earphones Awards. He now lives in Los Angeles, where he works in film and television in addition to narrating.